This date in MLS history, July 2

July 2, 12:15 PMMLS ExaminerCharlie Corr

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On average once per season, there is that thrilling turn of events when opposing teams come through with some late-game heroics in stoppage time. July just happens to be the most periodic month when multiple stoppage-time goals occur in Major League Soccer. So off and on this month for the "This date in MLS history" segment, I'm taking a look back at some of those matches.

In 2003, the N.Y./N.J. MetroStars and San Jose Earthquakes played to a 4-all draw. But it turned out to be a deflating moment for the host Metros at Giants Stadium.

The MetroStars offense was not exactly a beacon of light so far in the 2003 season, scoring two goals or less in every game up to this point. But the offense came through on this date, with three first-half goals, and a potential game-winner when Clint Mathis tallied his second goal of the game in stoppage time for a 4-3 lead.

But the Earthquakes' Landon Donovan ruined the Metros' brief lead. Donovan was a sub in the 69th minute, and in his limited time on the field, Donovan gave San Jose a boost when he notched his third goal of the season to salvage a point on the road.

It was a battle between two conference heavyweights, with the Quakes leading the West and the Metros settling for a point to share the Eastern Conference lead with the Chicago Fire.

July's multi-stoppage-time moments:

• July 2, 2003: Quakes' Donovan salvages point vs. MetroStars

• July 4, 2003: Rapids' Chung follows through with halftime promise

• July 7, 2001: Wizards rebound from embarrassing 7-0 loss to Fire

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Charlie Corr is a freelance sports writer based in Chicago. In addition to his Major League Soccer duties, he is the Chicago Sports Examiner and the creator of a Chicago-based soccer Web site, SlideTackles.net.

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